State-Level Systemic Change Grant

The State-Level Systemic Change grant program is administered by The Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a private philanthropic organization focused on improving the quality of life for residents of North Carolina. The foundation prioritizes long-term, structural change by supporting organizations that address systemic barriers related to policy, power structures, and social conditions. Its funding philosophy emphasizes collaboration across organizations and sectors, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive, equitable, and sustainable future for all North Carolinians. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities that are working toward state-level systemic change across four key issue areas: democracy, environment, public education, and social and economic justice. The program seeks to fund initiatives that promote civic participation, improve access to accurate information, strengthen institutions, and reduce disparities affecting historically marginalized populations. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate how their work contributes to long-term systemic improvements rather than isolated or short-term interventions. Funding may be used for general operating support or specific projects that align with the foundation’s priorities. Most grants are structured as multi-year awards, typically lasting one to three years, and may support a wide range of activities such as advocacy, research, coalition building, communications, leadership development, litigation, organizing, and training. However, the foundation explicitly excludes funding for certain activities, including direct services without systemic impact, political campaigning, capital projects, academic research, and other restricted uses. No formal matching requirement is indicated, allowing organizations flexibility in structuring their funding requests. Eligibility is limited to organizations that serve the people of North Carolina. This includes charitable tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations, colleges and universities, religious institutions, and government entities. Out-of-state organizations may apply if their proposed work directly benefits North Carolina residents. The foundation places particular emphasis on supporting populations that have historically been marginalized, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with low income, communities of color, women, and youth. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are permitted but must meet specific accountability and documentation requirements. The application process involves submitting materials through the foundation’s online grant portal. Applicants must create or access an account, complete an application form, and upload required documentation such as IRS determination letters, board member information, organizational budgets, and project budgets where applicable. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in a site visit as part of the evaluation process. The review process includes staff assessments and final decisions made by the foundation’s trustees. The program operates on a recurring annual cycle with two distinct application periods. The open application cycle occurs each summer, with applications opening in early June and closing in late July. For the current cycle, applications opened on June 4 and close on July 30 at noon Eastern Time. Following submission, select applicants are visited in the fall, and funding decisions are made in early November, with notifications issued later that month and funds distributed in January. A second, invitation-only cycle occurs in the winter, with awards determined in May. This recurring structure allows organizations to anticipate future opportunities and align their planning accordingly.

Focus on demonstrating statewide systemic impact and collaboration with other organizations align proposal with one or more issue areas emphasize long term structural change